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Wills and probate

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ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

Rachel

Rachel Report 3 Mar 2012 22:17

Hello,

I would like to know how I go about seeing if a relative who died last year made a will; and if so, how to go about getting a copy of it; and whether probate was granted.

I look forward to your reply.

Kind Regards

Rachel

Jonesey

Jonesey Report 4 Mar 2012 07:50

Rachel,

See:

http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/boards.page/board/genealogy_chat/thread/1235425

For advice and instructions.

Researching:
Don't put off until tomorrow doing what you can do today. If you like doing it today you can do it again tomorrow. Be kind to your children for it is they who will decide which care home you end up in.

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 4 Mar 2012 09:31

You will only be able to obtain a copy IF Probate was granted

But, as the death is so recent, can't you ask someone?

Rachel

Rachel Report 4 Mar 2012 11:07

So, just to clarify, I can only obtain a copy of a will if probate was granted? How will I know if probate was granted please?
The death was early last year, and have asked the people that I can.

+++DetEcTive+++

+++DetEcTive+++ Report 4 Mar 2012 12:04

That is correct - you can only obtain a copy of a Will, after Probate has been granted. if a Will wasn't left, depending on the size of the Estate, Letters of Administration would have been granted to allow the Estate to be disposed of.

Possibly, if you can track down any Solicitor handling Propate, they may be willing to give you a copy, but if you aren't named, they probably wouldn't.

http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/Probate/Getting_a_Copy_of_a_Will
- note the cost is now £6, not the £5 quoted.

http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/Probate/Probate_Offices
Addresses of regional offices as well as the Central One. They prefer you to give them the exact date and place of death to be able to identify the correct person. You can ask for a date range search. If you write and they can't find it, they don't bother letting you know or refunding your payment.

You may get more specific advice if you were to phone the local office to the address/normal residence at death.

Researching:
Dormant member as from 20 Sep 2019 . Click on my board name to send a message

Flick

Flick Report 5 Mar 2012 09:42

Correct

If the Will does not have to be Proved, it does not go into the public domain.

It is only the process of Probate which makes the document publicly available

And Probate (if required) is not necessarily applied for immediately after death.